Packaging and applicator device including a porous structure incorporating a biocidal agent

ABSTRACT

A packaging and applicator device for packaging and applying substance such as a cosmetic or a care product, the device comprising a receptacle capable of being closed in sealed manner, and being suitable for containing the substance and a porous structure for applying the substance or for wiping an applicator. The device includes at least one biocidal agent incorporated in the porous structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices for a substance such as a cosmetic or care product, such devices comprising a receptacle capable of being closed in sealed manner and suitable for containing the substance, together with a porous structure such as a foam having open cells for applying the substance or for wiping an applicator.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There exists a need to avoid including preservatives in the substance, particularly when the substance is a care product for sensitive areas, e.g. the face.

[0003] The invention seeks to improve known packaging and applicator devices that use a porous structure for application purposes or for wiping an applicator, so as to reduce the quantity of preservative(s) contained in the substance to as little as possible.

[0004] The invention achieves this by the fact that the packaging and applicator device includes at least one biocidal agent incorporated in the porous structure.

[0005] Advantageously, when the porous structure is dry, the biocidal agent is present in the solid or concentrated state.

[0006] By means of the invention, the porous structure is prevented from drying out by the receptacle being closed in sealed manner, and arrangements are made to ensure that it retains residual moisture enabling the biocidal agent to be activated.

[0007] In other words, in the invention, the biocidal agent is released within the porous structure to prevent it from deteriorating.

[0008] Furthermore, in most cases, the porous structure is usually stressed only on its surface while the substance is being applied or an applicator is being wiped, and as a result the biocidal agent present in the porous structure tends to remain contained therein and is to be found in trace form only in the substance that is applied to the user, which is advantageous when the substance is for sensitive areas.

[0009] Furthermore, the fact of the porous structure being prevented from drying out makes it possible to avoid it alternating between a dry state and a saturated moist state.

[0010] Such alternation is often a major factor contributing to molds and other micro-organisms developing.

[0011] Thus, because the porous structure does not dry out in the invention, the biocidal agent can be present in relatively small quantity.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the porous structure is arranged in such a manner as to be saturated with the substance on its surface only.

[0013] This makes it possible to avoid the substance washing out the porous structure on each use, thereby reducing the extent to which the biocidal agent passes into solution.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the porous structure is hydrophilic or includes one or more hydrophilic biocidal agents.

[0015] The fact that the porous structure is hydrophilic makes it easier for it to be completely moistened by the substance when the substance is aqueous.

[0016] In a variant, the porous structure is lipophilic and includes one or more lipophilic biocidal agents.

[0017] The porous structure can also include hydrophilic and lipophilic biocidal agents simultaneously.

[0018] As biocidal agent(s), it is possible to use one or more bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic and/or antifungal agents.

[0019] It is also possible to use metallic salts.

[0020] The porous structure can be a foam or a sponge made from polyurethane, polyester, polyether, natural rubber (NBR) or synthetic rubber (SBR), butyl, silicone, nitrile rubbers, or EPDM (a copolymer of a diene with ethylene and propylene), and it preferably has at least 10% open cells.

[0021] The porous structure can present a composite structure with a plurality of layers of different kinds, e.g. a plurality of types of foam.

[0022] The cosmetic or care product used can comprise, for example, 0.5% to 95% water and can be a gel, or an emulsion, in particular an emulsion of oil in water or of water in oil.

[0023] The packaging and applicator device of the invention can be used for makeup, treatment, or care of the skin or the hair.

[0024] The invention also provides a method of conserving a porous structure used in the field of cosmetics or care products, the method including the steps that consist in incorporating at least one biocidal agent during manufacture of the porous structure and of ensuring that the porous structure does not dry out between two uses because it is enclosed in a packaging and applicator device that is sealed or substantially sealed.

[0025] Preferably, in the method, the biocidal agent is in the solid or concentrated state at the end of the process for manufacturing the porous structure, and while said structure is dry.

[0026] Thus, the biocidal agent is present in the form of crystals, for example, within the porous structure. These crystals serve to protect the porous structure against risks of deterioration and they dissolve very progressively within the porous structure.

[0027] The invention also provides a method of manufacturing an open-celled porous structure used for applying a cosmetic or a care product, wherein, during the process of manufacturing the porous structure, at least one biocidal agent that is at least partially hydrosoluble is incorporated therein so that said agent returns to the solid or concentrated state when the porous structure is dry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a first embodiment of a packaging and applicator device;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a second embodiment of a packaging and applicator device;

[0031]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a third embodiment of a packaging and applicator device;

[0032]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a fourth embodiment of a packaging and applicator device;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a fifth embodiment of a packaging and applicator device; and

[0034]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a packaging and applicator device constituting a sixth embodiment of the invention.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]FIG. 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 comprising a body 2 on which an “airless” pump 3 is mounted. The pump 3 is arranged to pump an aqueous substance P, e.g. a cosmetic or a care product, contained in a flexible bag 4 received in the body 2.

[0036] A sliding cap 6 is mounted on the body 2. In its top portion, the cap 6 has an externally threaded neck 10 and in its neck it has an upwardly-open housing 9 that is substantially hemispherical.

[0037] The packaging and applicator device 1 also includes a closure cap 11 provided with an assembly skirt 12 arranged to screw onto the threaded neck 10.

[0038] An applicator 14 constituted by a natural rubber (NRB) foam having open cells is fixed inside the closure cap 11 and projects downwards therefrom so as to be applied to the skin.

[0039] The closure cap 11 serves as a handle.

[0040] The cap 6 has an orifice passing through the bottom of the housing 9, which orifice includes a shoulder 7 against which the rod 8 of the pump 3 comes to bear.

[0041] The threaded neck 10 and the assembly skirt 12 are arranged to co-operate in sealed manner when the closure cap 11 is in place, thereby preventing the applicator 14 from drying out.

[0042] A biocidal agent is incorporated in the applicator 14.

[0043] This biocidal agent is in particulate form while the applicator 14 is dry.

[0044] In the example described, the biocidal agent used is also at least partially hydosoluble.

[0045] In general, in the context of the present invention, it is possible to use any of the following as the biocidal agent: salicylic acid; sodium sulfite; boric acid; sodium metabisulfite; benzoic acid; sodium benzoate; propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; methyl phydroxybenzoate; sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; hydroxy-b-quinoline sulfate; tri-methylammonium myristyl bromide; sodium o-phenyl phenate; stearyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride; sorbic acid; a (58/30/12) mixture of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, di-potassium edetate, and hexamidine di-isoethionate; chlorhexidine hydrochloride; a (7/57/22/14) mixture of propyl, methyl, butyl, and ethyl p-hydroxybenzoates; hydrated sodium dehydroacetate; potassium sorbate; 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy diphenylether; chloracetamide; 1,6-di(4-amidino phenoxy) hexane diisoethionate; a (74/17/9) mixture of methyl, ethyl, and propyl p-hydroxybenzoates; (3-chloro-1-allyl-3,5,7 triazo-1-azonium) adamante chloride; a (76/2/3/17) mixture of methyl, propyl p-hydroxybenzoates, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, hexamidine diisoethionate; a mixture of disulfide pyrithion and magnesium sulfate; urea imidazolidinyl; butyl phydroxybenzoate; ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate; 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol; sodium mercury ethyl thiosalicylate; a mixture of alkyl, dimethyl, benzyl, and ammonium chlorides; a (34/33/33) mixture of dehydroacetic acid, 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenylether, and propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; a (80/3/17) mixture of methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoates and hexamidine diisoethionate; (2-heptyl-1-methyl-2-thiazolylidene)-2,2 methylene 3-heptyl-2-methyl thiazolynium iodide; 1-hydroxy, 4-methyl-6-trimethylpentyl-2-pyridone; monoethanolamine salts; dehydroacetic acid; iso-propyl metacresol; 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one-2-hydroxy(1-methyl-4-ethyl), N-(hyroxy-methyl) N-(1,3-di-hydroxy-methyl-di-2-oxo-4-imidazolidinyl) N-(hydroxy-methyl urea); a (75/15/7, 5/1/1.5) mixture of chlorphenesine, hexamedine di-isoethionate, and methyl, butyl, propyl parahydroxybenzoates; para-chloro-meta-xylenol; a (50/50) mixture of butyl p-hydroxybenzoate and 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy diphenyl ether; a (95/5) mixture of dimethyl dimethyl hydantoin and 3-iodo-2-propinyl carbamate; a (73.1/8.5/15/3.4) mixture of boric acid, hexamidine diisoethionate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and bronopol; (5-bromo-2-pyridyl)amino)2-vinyl)1-p-ethyl 2-picoliniumiodide; a (85.715/14.285) mixture of urea imidazolidinyl and hexamidine di-isoethionate; a (80/20) mixture of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and hexamidine di-isoethionate; a (50/28/12/10) mixture of urea di-azolidinyl, methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoates, and hexamidine diisoethionate; chlorphenesine; a (50/41.66/8.34) mixture of chlorphenesine, and methyl and propyl phydroxybenzoates; a (60/40) mixture of chlorphenesine and methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride; and sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate.

[0046] This list is not limiting.

[0047] In addition to one or more biocidal agents selected from the above list, it is also possible for the foam to incorporate metallic salts, e.g. of silver or of copper, or ferric oxides.

[0048]FIG. 2 shows a packaging and applicator device 20 comprising a box having a body 21, a hinged lid 22, and a sliding bottom 29.

[0049] The body 21 has a housing receiving a cup 23 containing a supply of substance P.

[0050] The cup 23 is provided on top with a screen 25 and underneath with a deformable wall 27.

[0051] A piston 24 secured to the deformable wall 27 can slide in the cup 23.

[0052] By pressing against the sliding bottom 29, the user urges the piston 24 upwards, thereby expelling substance through the screen 25.

[0053] An applicator 26 constituted by a sponge is received in the lid 22 beyond the screen 25.

[0054] The packaging and applicator device 20 is arranged to ensure that the applicator 26 is stored in sealed manner.

[0055] To this end, the applicator 26 is secured at its periphery to an annular rim 28 which serves as a sealing gasket by being pinched when the box is closed between the lid 22 and a mask mounted on the body 21.

[0056] The applicator 26 is thus prevented from drying out while the lid 22 is closed.

[0057] The applicator 26 incorporates a biocidal agent, e.g. a biocidal agent selected from the above list.

[0058]FIG. 3 shows a dispensing and packaging device 30 having a receptacle 31 provided with a neck 32 having an outside thread.

[0059] The neck 32 has a perforated wall 33 on the inside at the bottom.

[0060] The dispensing and packaging device 30 includes an applicator 35 carried by a handle 36 which also constitutes the cap for closing the neck 32.

[0061] The applicator 35 is partially engaged and fixed in an assembly skirt 37 of the cap 36.

[0062] The cap 36 has a sealing gasket 38 shaped to fit in sealed manner in the neck 32 when the cap 36 is screwed on the neck 32.

[0063] The applicator 35 is constituted by an open-celled polyurethane foam and it incorporates a biocidal agent selected from the above list, present in particulate or crystallized form while the foam is dry.

[0064]FIG. 4 shows a dispensing and packaging device 50 comprising a flexible tube 54 provided with a neck having an outside thread 51, the neck being fitted internally with an applicator 52 constituted by a block of open-celled polyether foam.

[0065] The applicator 52 incorporates a biocidal agent selected from the above list, and present in particulate or crystal form while the foam is dry.

[0066] When not in use, the tube 54 is closed in sealed manner by a closure cap 53.

[0067]FIG. 5 shows a packaging and applicator device 60 comprising a receptacle 61 provided with a neck 62 having an outside thread.

[0068] A wiper member 63 constituted by a block of open-celled polyurethane foam that is split axially is fixed inside the receptacle 61 beneath the neck 62.

[0069] The receptacle 61 is closed by a closure cap 65 screwed onto the neck 62.

[0070] The closure cap 65 includes a central portion 66 suitable for fitting in sealed manner in the neck 62.

[0071] The central portion 66 is extended downwards by a stalk 64 provided at its end with a flocked applicator 68.

[0072] The wiper member 63 serves to wipe the stalk 64 and the applicator 68 while they are being extracted from the receptacle 61.

[0073] It includes a biocidal agent selected from the above list, present in particulate or crystal form while the foam is dry.

[0074]FIG. 6 shows a packaging and applicator device 70 constituting a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0075] This device comprises a flexible-walled tube 71 e.g. containing a makeup foundation such as a cosmetic milk.

[0076] The tube 71 is provided with an applicator member 72 that is elastically deformable, and that incorporates a biocidal agent selected from the above list.

[0077] An orifice 73 passes through the applicator member 72, thereby enabling the substance contained in the tube to reach the surface 76 of the applicator easily in order to enable the substance to be applied on the user.

[0078] The deice 70 has a closure cap 74 made of a transparent plastics material an having the feature of containing a supply 75 of a substance that is different from that contained in the tube.

[0079] In the example described, this substance is constituted by a cake of colored substance suitable for crumbling on coming into contact with the substance contained in the tube.

[0080] When the cap is mounted on the tube, the applicator surface 76 bears against the supply of substance.

[0081] The cap 74 is suitable for closing the tube in sealed manner when it is in place.

[0082] In all of the embodiments described above, the applicator or wiper member is conserved in a sealed or substantially sealed enclosure while it is not in use, such that the applicator or the wiper member does not dry out completely and therefore retains residual moisture that serves to activate the biocidal agent(s) it contains.

[0083] The applicator or the wiper member is thus preserved from any deterioration due to micro-organisms.

[0084] Because the cellular material constituting the applicator or the wiper member is conserved in this way, it is possible to reduce the preservative content in the substance since the substance is not required to conserve the cellular material, and need only contribute to activating the biocidal agent(s) contained in it.

[0085] A biocidal agent is preferably incorporated in the cellular material during manufacture, i.e. during the step of filling the plastics material.

[0086] Without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, the cellular material containing the biocidal agent can be used as a supply of substance by being soaked in the substance.

[0087] In all of the embodiments described, the cellular material can be flocked or otherwise and it can contain a larger or smaller amount of open cells.

[0088] The cellular material can receive hydrophilic treatment after it has been made or while it is being made by incorporating hydroabsorbers or fibers, e.g. polyacrylate, colloidal silica, alginates, glycerin, cotton fibers, or starch, this list naturally being non-limiting. 

1. A packaging and applicator device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or a care product, the device comprising a receptacle capable of being closed in sealed manner, and being suitable for containing the substance and a porous structure for applying the substance or for wiping an applicator, the device including at least one biocidal agent incorporated in the porous structure.
 2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the porous structure is dry, the biocidal agent is present in the solid or concentrated state.
 3. A device according to claim 1 , wherein, while it is in use, the porous structure is arranged in such a manner as to be saturated with the substance on its surface only.
 4. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure is hydrophilic, or lipophilic, and includes one or more biocidal agents that are correspondingly hydrophilic or lipophilic.
 5. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the biocidal agent used is a bactericidal agent and/or a bacteriostatic agent and/or an antifungal agent.
 6. A device according to claim 1 , wherein one or more hydrosoluble biocidal agents are used.
 7. A device according to claim 1 , wherein one or more liposoluble biocidal agents are used.
 8. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure includes metallic salts.
 9. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure comprises a foam or sponge made from one of the materials selected in the following list: polyurethane; polyester; polyether; natural rubber (NBR); synthetic rubber (SBR); butyl, silicone, and nitrile rubbers; and EPDM.
 10. A device according to claim 9 , wherein the porous structure has at least 10% open cells.
 11. A device according to claim 10 , wherein the substance contains 0.5% to 95% water.
 12. A device according to claim 11 , wherein the substance is a makeup, a treatment substance or a care product for the skin or the hair.
 13. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure is used for applying the substance.
 14. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure is serves to wipe the applicator.
 15. A method of conserving a porous structure used in the field of cosmetics or care products, the method including the steps that consist in incorporating at least one biocidal agent during manufacture of the porous structure and of ensuring that the porous structure does not dry out between two uses because it is enclosed in a packaging and applicator device that is sealed or substantially sealed.
 16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein at the end of the process of manufacturing the porous structure and while said structure is dry, the biocidal agent is present in the solid or concentrated state.
 17. A method of manufacturing an open-celled porous structure used for applying a cosmetic or a care product, wherein, during the process of manufacturing the porous structure, at least one biocidal agent that is at least partially hydrosoluble is incorporated therein so that said agent returns to the solid or concentrated state when the porous structure is dry. 